Things To Do With Kids Near Lugano, Ascona, Locarno, Bellinzona & Border Area Italy

No matter if you are passing through, stay for a holiday or live in beautiful Ticino, sometimes you need some inspiration on what to do with the kids, for all sunny and dry days, but also for those long rainy or cold days.

FIND Please note that, unlike my blog posts, I have only visited the places marked with **. For those places you can contact me anytime through the comments field if you have specific questions you feel only another parent who has been there can answer.

I’ve sorted the activities by region, so it’s easier to find something near you. Where possible I have added links in English.

You can also use the map to located the activities (see color scheme below). Unfortunately Ticino does not have a great reputation for kids specific (indoor!) activities, so I have added some just over the border, maximum 1 hour drive from Lugano.

NOTE: Use the menu on the left top (on map itself – 3 dots with 3 lines) to quickly go through the offer.

CHECK For your convenience I have added opening hours, but if you decide for a location, double check their websites as changes regularly occur due to summer/winter or holiday season. Also note that many places are closed during lunchtime!

NOTE: Contrary to what you might be used to, when calling a phone number in Italy from abroad, leave the first 0 in!

ADD I hope to add more places moving forward, based on your tips and my research. Feel free to suggest a place you’d like to recommend to other parents in your comments below. New additions to the list are called outNEW!!

SWITZERLAND, TICINO

DID YOU KNOW…

… That some (family) hotels with Pool, Spa and/or kids entertainment facilities will grand youaccess to their hotel facilitiesat a set aday rate? That way you can have a lovely bite to eat and glass of wine at a good restaurant, while the kids can play in the pool, at the playground or enjoy activities with the entertainment team.

… That both Lugano and Ascona/Locarno offerdiscount cardsto people living and working in the region? The Lugano card can grand you discounts on Lido’s, restaurants, sports clubs, Spa’s and much more. The Discount card of Locarno offers discounts at the Lido and several festivals. More info in my blog post: Don’t Burn Your Money! Family Fun On A Budget

Maribur ** – THEATER – Indoor, Outdoor A theater company who organizes performances for kids in and around Stabio. When possible the performances are given outside. The shows we visited were with little or no words and therefore also good for those who don’t/hardly speak Italian. +41 91 641 69 60 (office hours) // +41 79 854 96 77 ( on performance days) //info@maribur.ch //http://www.maribur.chSelected dates throughout the year: reservations needed. Kids: Free, Adults: 7 CHF

Teatro Pan** – THEATER – Indoor A theater company who organizes performances for kids throughout Ticino, but mainly in Lugano. The shows we visited were with little or no words and therefore also good for those who don’t/hardly speak Italian.Viale Cassarate 4, 6906 Lugano, Switzerland+41 (0)91 922 61 58 // info@teatro-pan.ch //www.teatro-pan.chSelected dates throughout the year: reservations needed.

Mini Move** – PLAY – Indoor NEW!! NEW!! NEW!!Games and activities in the gym of a school for kids between 2 and 5. For bigger kids there is a Open Sunday (see further down).Scuola Elementare Via Bosschina, 6963 Pregassona (Lugano)+41 (0)91 826 40 70 //www.lugano.ch/minimoveNovember – March onSunday’s: 14.30 – 17.00. Free, small snack (fruits/bread) and water is offered to the kids free of charge.

Parco San Grato** – NATURE, PLAY – Outdoor Botanical Garden with two large playgrounds with cable car, climbing constructions, swings, slides and stunning views on Lago Lugano. Relatively easy hikes (30 min) can be made from here to Alpe Vicania where you can have a good lunch. Our 3,5 year old almost made it walking on his own.San Grato, 6914 Carona, Switzerland– Follow the signs after passing through the villagewww.luganoturismo.ch/en/89/the-san-grato-parkOpen all year. Free.

Indian Village, Treasure Hunt and Snow Fun, Cardada** – NATURE – Outdoor Tiny Indian village in the woods with a 1.2km play path and several playgrounds. Until the 31st of October you can also do a Treasure Hunt. The map can be downloaded here. During the winter season the field close to the Indian village can be used for bob-sleighing, sledging or snowball fights.Cardada Impianti Turistici, 6644 Orselina, Switzerland – Only reachable by cable car! Situated between cable car and ski lift stationwww.cardada.ch/en/summer/family